Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Mets News and Notes: Harvey, Bay, Liriano

J.P. Ricciardi was on hand in Buffalo last night to witness the start (audition) by 2010 first-round pick Matt Harvey. Harvey stated his case for Saturday's start at Citi Field against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Harvey did not allow a hit through five innings. He ultimately was charged with two runs on three hits, four walks and a hit batter.

The bottom line: If the Mets are purely interested in Harvey's development, they would give him a little extra time in Triple-A. He may be one of the best options to start against the Dodgers, but it does not mean it's the right option.

Writes columnist Jeff Bradley in the Star-Ledger:

The time is coming for Matt Harvey to pitch for the Mets. But probably not this Saturday at Citi Field, against the Dodgers, as many had hoped. Harvey made his 19th start for the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons last night. He threw 100 pitches in a span of 6T innings, allowing three singles and two runs. He was throwing his fastball consistently around 95 mph, mixing in a sharp breaking ball and a decent change. But four walks, a hit batsman and a wild pitch -- which could be blamed on rust since he had not made a start in 12 days -- will likely be factors that delay his major league debut.

Jason Bay played what sounded like his final rehab game with Buffalo on Monday night. He went 0-for-2 with two walks and lost a ball in the Triple-A lights in left field. With the Mets facing a southpaw in D.C. today, Bay sounded like he expected to be manning left field at Nationals Park for the series opener.